We are an all-adult family of four planning our first trip to Ireland in mid-July. Our daughter is disabled -- she can walk unassisted, but she has problems with stairs without handrails and with uneven walking surfaces. She and my son will share a twin room, but I like to be nearby should she need assistance from a mom and not a brother. So, here is what I have thought about so far, and I would welcome any suggestions:

Day 1 Dublin - stay at the Merrion or the Four Seasons or Number 31 - suggestions
are appreciated

Day 2 Dublin

Day 3 Rental car to Adare --- is this too long a trip? Probably staying at Mustard Seed
Would like to see Kilkenny (lunch?) and Rock of Cashel en route if possible?

Day 4 Doolin/Cliffs of Moher - staying at Daly's in Doolin

Day 5-8 Renting a cottage near Kenmare on the Ring of Kerry. This is a done deal - paid for and all!!!

Day 9 Fly home from Cork

I would love any suggestions for accommodations and trip itinerary ideas. Thanks very much!

My first reaction was that you would be back-tracking to go from Adare up to Doolin and then back down to Kenmare. You could go directly Dublin-Galway, do the Burren/Cliffs and stay in Doolin - then go on to Adare then next day. Of course, you then miss Kilkenny and the ROC -- but it would be shorter.

I checked driving times on mapquest.com -- the general rule of thumb, however, is that you should add 50% to these. That may be less true for the Dublin-Adare direct route, since it's virtually all Motorway.

Dublin-Adare direct: 2 hrs. 29 min.
Dublin-Kilkenny: 1 hr. 28 min.
Kilkenny-Cashel: 50 min.
Cashel-Adare: 1 hr. 3 min.

It's a bit of a climb up to the top of Cashel, but pretty flat (and reasonably even) once you're there. I'd also suggest a light lunch that day, since you'll want to save room for dinner at Mustard Seed? <grin>

In Doolin, consider the boat trip to the Aran Islands. There are various options for visiting one or all three islands, and some boats come back via the Cliff of Moher (or you can just do te Cliffs boat trip, of course.) We went to

Oops, hit submit too early!

In Doolin, consider the boat trip to the Aran Islands. There are various options for visiting one or all three islands, and some boats come back via the Cliff of Moher (or you can just do te Cliffs boat trip, of course.) We went to Inis Oirr and toured the island by horse and carriage for 10Euro pp, a good way to see the place without too much walking. The islands made a nice day trip, the cliffs are stunning.

Be warned about the return trip however - your return ticket is apparently for ANY boat leaving at the time specified. We waited for the boat we had arrived on and found ourselves stuck for 3 hours until the next sailing...!

Kathy, we are taking our 1st trip to Ireland in September. I found Michelle at www.irelandyes.com to have very helpful suggestions. You might ask some of your questions there also. We will be staying at Daly's in Doolin also. I hope your family has a great trip. Deborah

Hi DeborahAnn,
I will go look at that website. Many thanks!